Bicycle drive system, bicycle drive unit, and bicycle battery unit

ABSTRACT

A bicycle drive system includes a bicycle drive unit and a bicycle battery unit. A first power supply path supplies power from the battery unit to the drive unit. A second power supply path supplies smaller power from the battery unit to the drive unit than the first power supply path. In a case where the drive unit and the battery unit are connected by the first power supply path and the second power supply path, the bicycle drive system is configured to be switched between a first state, in which the battery unit stops supplying power to the drive unit via the first power supply path and supplies power to the drive unit via the second power supply path, and a second state, in which the battery unit supplies power to the drive unit via at least the first power supply path.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.2017-073964, filed on Apr. 3, 2017 and Japanese Patent Application No.2017-187057, filed on Sep. 27, 2017. The entire disclosures of JapanesePatent Application Nos. 2017073964 and 2017-187057 are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a bicycle drive system, abicycle drive unit, and a bicycle battery unit.

Background Information

Some bicycles are provided with a bicycle drive system that assists inpropulsion of the bicycle. For example, Japanese Laid-Open PatentPublication No. 2011-230665 describes one example of a conventionalbicycle drive system that assists in propulsion of a bicycle. In thebicycle drive system of this patent publication, a battery and a controldevice for driving a motor are connected by a single power supply path.Operation of a power switch changes the bicycle drive system to a modein which the motor assists in propulsion of the bicycle.

SUMMARY

One object of the present invention to provide a bicycle drive system, abicycle drive unit, and a bicycle battery unit that contribute toincreases in convenience.

A first aspect of the present invention is a bicycle drive systemincluding a motor that assists in propulsion of a bicycle. The bicycledrive system further includes a plurality of bicycle battery units, eachof which includes a first communication circuit and a first electroniccontroller electrically connected to the first communication circuit tocontrol an output of power supplied to the motor and an electroniccontrol unit including a second communication circuit configured tocommunicate with the first communication circuit via a power line and asecond electronic controller electrically connected to the secondcommunication circuit and configured to have the first electroniccontroller output power supplied to the motor. With the bicycle drivesystem according to the first aspect, each battery unit is configured tocommunicate with the control unit. Additionally, the second electroniccontroller is configured to have each bicycle unit output power suppliedto the motor.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycledrive system according to the first aspect further includes the powerline. The power line is configured to be attachable to and removablefrom at least one of the bicycle battery units and the electroniccontrol unit. With the bicycle drive system according to the secondaspect, the attachment and removal of the power line easily disconnectsthe bicycle battery unit and the electronic control unit.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycledrive system according to the first or second aspect is configured sothat the second electronic controller controls the motor. With thebicycle drive system according to the sixty-second aspect, the motor isappropriately controlled by the second controller.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a bicycle drive unit thatincludes a motor configured to assist in propulsion of a bicycle, asecond electronic controller that controls the motor, and acommunication circuit configured to communicate with an operation devicethat operates a bicycle electric component. The second electroniccontroller is operable in a third state, in which the motor is drivable,and a fourth state, which consumes less power than the third state anddoes not drive the motor. In a case where the second electroniccontroller is operated in the fourth state, if the communication circuitreceives an input signal, the second electronic controller switches anoperation state from the fourth state to the third state. With thebicycle drive unit according to the fourth aspect, the reception of theinput signal allows the bicycle drive unit to be switched from thefourth state to the third state. This increases the convenience. If theuser moves an operation device that operates the bicycle electriccomponent, the bicycle drive unit is set to a state in which propulsionof the bicycle can be assisted.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycledrive unit according to the fourth aspect is configured so that thebicycle electric component includes at least one of a shifting device, asuspension and a seatpost. With the bicycle drive unit according to thefifth aspect, if the user moves at least one of the shifting device, thesuspension, and the seatpost, the bicycle drive unit is set to a statein which propulsion of the bicycle can be assisted.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a bicycle battery unitconfigured to supply power to a bicycle component. The bicycle batteryunit includes a housing, a battery accommodated to the housing, a firstelectrical connector provided to the housing so as to be at leastpartially exposed out of the housing and electrically connectable withthe battery, a second electrical connector provided to the housing so asto be at least partially exposed out of the housing separately from thefirst electrical connector, and a power line communication circuitelectrically connected to the second electrical connector and configuredto perform power line communication via the second electrical connector.With the bicycle battery unit according to the sixth aspect, the secondelectrical connector electrically connected to the power linecommunication circuit configured to perform power line communication isprovided in addition to the first electrical connector. This contributesto increases in convenience.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to the sixth aspect further includes athird electrical connector provided in the housing so as to be at leastpartially exposed out of the housing and electrically connectable withthe battery. The third electrical connector is provided separately fromthe first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. Withthe bicycle battery unit according to the seventh aspect, the thirdelectrical connector electrically connected to the battery is providedin addition to the first electrical connector and the second electricalconnector. This contributes to increases in convenience.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to the seventh aspect is configured sothat the first electrical connector and the third electrical connectorare configured to supply power of the battery to the same bicyclecomponent. With the bicycle battery unit according to the eighth aspect,the first electrical connector and the third electrical connector cansupply power of the battery to the bicycle component.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclebattery unit according to the seventh or eighth aspect is configured sothat the first electrical connector has an output voltage from thebattery is greater than an output voltage of the third electricalconnector. With the bicycle battery unit according to the ninth aspect,the third electrical connector supplies the bicycle component withsmaller power than the first electrical connector.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclebattery unit according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects isconfigured so that the third electrical connector is electricallyconnected to the battery so that a predetermined first voltage isapplied to the third electrical connector upon a charge level of thebattery being greater than or equal to a predetermined level. With thebicycle battery unit according to the tenth aspect, in the case wherethe charge level of the battery is greater than or equal to thepredetermined level, the first voltage is supplied from the thirdelectrical connector to the bicycle component.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to any one of the seventh to ninthaspects is configured so that the third electrical connector and thebattery are electrically connected so that a predetermined first voltageis applied to the third electrical connector from the battery in a casewhere a charge level of the battery is greater than or equal to apredetermined level upon determining an external electrical connector iselectrically connected to the third electrical connector. With thebicycle battery unit according to the eleventh aspect, in the case wherethe charge level of the battery is greater than or equal to thepredetermined level, the connection of the external electrical connectorallows the first voltage power to be supplied from the third electricalconnector to the bicycle component.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to any one of the seventh to ninthaspects is configured so that the third electrical connector and thebattery are electrically connected so that a predetermined first voltageis applied to the third electrical connector in a case where a chargelevel of the battery is greater than or equal to a predetermined levelupon determining the housing is attached to a bicycle. With the bicyclebattery unit according to the twelfth aspect, in the case where thecharge level of the battery is greater than or equal to thepredetermined level, the attachment of the housing to the bicycle allowsthe first voltage power to be supplied from the third electricalconnector to the bicycle component.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to any one of the seventh to twelfthaspects is configured so that the first electrical connector includes afirst positive terminal, the second electrical connector includes asecond positive terminal, the third electrical connector includes athird positive terminal, and at least one of the first, second and thirdelectrical connectors includes a ground terminal. With the bicyclebattery unit according to the thirteenth aspect, the ground terminal isincluded in at least one of the first electrical connector, the secondelectrical connector, and the third electrical connector.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to any one of the sixth to twelfthaspects is configured so that the first electrical connector includes afirst positive terminal, the second electrical connector includes asecond positive terminal, and at least one of the first and secondelectrical connectors includes a ground terminal. With the bicyclebattery unit according to the fourteenth aspect, the ground terminal isincluded in at least one of the first electrical connector and thesecond electrical connector.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to any one of the sixth to fourteenthaspects is configured so that the second electrical connector iselectrically connected to the battery so that a predetermined secondvoltage is applied to the second electrical connector from the batteryupon a charge level of the battery being greater than or equal to apredetermined level. With the bicycle battery unit according to thefifteenth aspect, in the case where the charge level of the battery isgreater than or equal to the predetermined level, the second voltage issupplied from the second electrical connector to the bicycle component.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to any one of the sixth to fourteenthaspects is configured so that the second electrical connector isconfigured to be electrically connected to the battery so that apredetermined second voltage is applied to the second electricalconnector in a case where a charge level of the battery is greater thanor equal to a predetermined level upon determining an externalelectrical connector being connected to the second electrical connector.With the bicycle battery unit according to the sixteenth aspect, in thecase where the charge level of the battery is greater than or equal tothe predetermined level, the connection of the external electricalconnector allows the second voltage power to be supplied from the secondelectrical connector to the bicycle component.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to any one of the sixth to fourteenthaspects is configured so that the second electrical connector isconfigured to be electrically connected to the battery so that apredetermined second voltage is applied to the second electricalconnector in a case where a charge level of the battery is greater thanor equal to a predetermined level upon determining the housing isattached to a bicycle. With the bicycle battery unit according to theseventeenth aspect, in the case where the charge level of the battery isgreater than or equal to the predetermined level, the attachment of thehousing to the bicycle allows the second voltage power to be suppliedfrom the second electrical connector to the bicycle component.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to any one of the sixth to seventeenthaspects is configured so that the first electrical connector has anoutput voltage is greater than an output voltage of the secondelectrical connector. With the bicycle battery unit according to theeighteenth aspect, the second electrical connector supplies the bicyclecomponent with smaller power than the first electrical connector.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to the eighteenth aspect is configured sothat the output voltage of the first electrical connector is greaterthan or equal to 20 V and less than 60 V, and the output voltage of thesecond electrical connector is greater than or equal to 1 V and lessthan 20 V. With the bicycle battery unit according to the nineteenthaspect, the bicycle component can be supplied with power having theoutput voltage that is greater than or equal to 20 V and less than 60 Vfrom the first electric connector. Also, the bicycle component can besupplied with power having the output voltage that is greater than orequal to 1 V and less than 20 V from the second electric connector.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle battery unit according to any one of the sixth to nineteenthaspects further includes a connection switch that changes an electricalconnection state of the first electrical connector and the battery inaccordance with a communication result of the communication circuit.With the bicycle battery unit according to the twentieth aspect, theconnection switch changes the electrical connection state of the firstelectrical connector and the battery. This contributes to energy saving.

The bicycle drive system, the bicycle drive unit, and the bicyclebattery unit of the present invention contribute to increases inconvenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle including a bicycle drivesystem in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of thebicycle drive system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of abicycle drive unit and a bicycle battery unit of the bicycle drivesystem shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure that is executed bythe bicycle drive system for performing a switching process on thebicycle battery unit of the bicycle drive system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of abicycle drive system in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of abicycle power supply system in accordance with a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of abicycle battery unit of the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a firstmodification of a bicycle drive system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of asecond modification of a bicycle drive system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field fromthis disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of a bicycle drive system 10 will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. As shown in FIG. 1, a bicycle B includesthe bicycle drive system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the bicycle drivesystem 10 includes a bicycle drive unit 20 and a bicycle battery unit50. The bicycle drive system 10 further includes a plurality of bicyclecomponents 12. The bicycle drive system 10 further includes a display14M. In the description hereafter, the bicycle drive unit 20 is referredto as the drive unit 20. In the description hereafter, the bicyclebattery unit 50 is referred to as the battery unit 50.

The bicycle components 12 include at least one of a cycle computer 14A,an operation device 14B and a sensor 14C. The cycle computer 14A, theoperation device 14B and the sensor 14C are provided on the bicycle B.The operation device 14B is configured to operate another one of thebicycle component 12. The bicycle components 12 further include abicycle electric component 16. At least some of the bicycle components12 use power supplied via the drive unit 20.

The cycle computer 14A includes the display 14M. The display 14M isconfigured to show information related to the bicycle B. The cyclecomputer 14A is coupled to a handlebar H of the bicycle B. The cyclecomputer 14A is configured to communicate with a second electroniccontroller 24 of the drive unit 20. In the description hereafter, thesecond electronic controller 24 is referred to as the second controller24. The cycle computer 14A is connected to the second controller 24through wired communications. The cycle computer 14A is configured tocommunicate with a first electronic controller 56 of the battery unit50, for example, through power line communication (PLC). In thedescription hereafter, the first electronic controller 56 is referred toas the first controller 56. The cycle computer 14A shows informationreceived from at least one of another one of the bicycle component 12and the drive unit 20 on the display 14M. The cycle computer 14Aincludes a communication device (not shown), which outputs signals andreceives signals from an external device.

The cycle computer 14A can include a wireless communication device so asto perform wireless communications with the drive unit 20. In a casewhere the drive unit 20 performs wireless communications with the cyclecomputer 14A, the drive unit 20 includes a wireless communicationdevice. In this case, it is desirable that the cycle computer 14Ainclude a battery.

The operation device 14B is configured to be operable by the rider. Theoperation device 14B includes a sensor (not shown), which detectsmovement of an operation portion provided on the operation device 14B,and a communication device (not shown), which transmits signals to acommunication circuit or device 32 of the drive unit 20 and the bicycleelectric component 16 in accordance with output signals from the sensor.

The operation device 14B includes a first operation device 15 thatoperates the bicycle electric component 16. The first operation device15 is coupled to the handlebar H of the bicycle B. The first operationdevice 15 is configured to communicate with the second controller 24 ofthe drive unit 20. The first operation device 15 is connected to thesecond controller 24 through wired communication. The first operationdevice 15 is configured to communicate with the second controller 24through power line communication. The first operation device 15 isconnected to the bicycle electric component 16 through wiredcommunication. The first operation device 15 is configured tocommunicate with the bicycle electric component 16 through power linecommunication. In a case where the rider operates the first operationdevice 15, the first operation device 15 transmits an output signal tothe bicycle electric component 16 and the communication circuit 32 ofthe drive unit 20. The second controller 24 controls operation of thebicycle electric component 16. In a case where the communication circuit32 receives the output signal from the first operation device 15, if thebicycle electric component 16 is allowed to be operated in accordancewith a predetermined control program, the second controller 24 has thecommunication circuit 32 transmit an operation instruction to thebicycle electric component 16. If the bicycle electric component 16receives the operation instruction from the communication circuit 32,the bicycle electric component 16 operates. The communication circuit 32functions as a master communication circuit for carrying out power linecommunication. Thus, the communication circuit 32 can be referred to asa power line communication circuit or a master power line communicationcircuit.

The operation device 14B can further include a second operation devicethat operates the drive unit 20. The second operation device is coupledto the handlebar H of the bicycle B. The second operation device isconfigured to communicate with the second controller 24 of the driveunit 20. The second operation device is connected to the secondcontroller 24 through wired communication. The second operation deviceis configured to communicate with the second controller 24 through powerline communication. The operation device 14B can be operated, forexample, to change multiple operation modes of the drive unit 20. Themultiple operation modes of the drive unit 20 include, for example,multiple assist modes producing different assist forces and an OFF modethat stops the assisting.

The sensor 14C includes a vehicle speed sensor 14D. The sensor 14C isconfigured to communicate with the second controller 24 of the driveunit 20, for example, through power line communication. The sensor 14Ctransmits output signals to the second controller 24. The sensor 14Cincludes a communication device (not shown) that transmits signals tothe communication circuit 32. The vehicle speed sensor 14D can beconnected to the second controller 24 by a normal communication line,instead of through power line communication, so as to be configured tocommunicate with the second controller 24. The vehicle speed sensor 14Dcan be configured to communicate with the second controller 24 throughwireless communication instead of power line communication.

The vehicle speed sensor 14D detects the rotation speed of a wheel. Asshown in FIG. 1, the vehicle speed sensor 14D is attached to a frontfork of a frame F. The vehicle speed sensor 14D transmits signals to thesecond controller 24 in correspondence with changes in the relativeposition of a magnet M attached to the wheel and the vehicle speedsensor 14D. It is preferred that the vehicle speed sensor 14D include amagnetic reed forming a reed switch or a Hall element. The vehicle speedsensor 14D can be attached to a chainstay of the frame F.

The bicycle electric component 16 shown in FIG. 2 includes at least oneof a shifting device, a suspension, and a seatpost. The shifting deviceincludes an actuator that changes the transmission ratio of the bicycleB. The suspension includes an actuator that changes at least one of thehardness, the damping ratio, and the height of the suspension of thebicycle B. The seatpost includes an actuator that changes the height ofthe seatpost of the bicycle B. The actuator of the seatpost can controlthe valve of a seatpost that is extended by hydraulic pressure or air.The bicycle electric component 16 includes a communication device (notshown) that receives signals from the first operation device 15 andsignals from the communication circuit 32. The shifting device includesat least one of a front derailleur, a rear derailleur, and an internalshifting device. The suspension includes at least one of a frontsuspension and a rear suspension. In a case where the bicycle electriccomponent 16 includes the shifting device, the operation device 14Bincludes a shift operation device. In a case where the bicycle electriccomponent 16 includes the suspension, the operation device 14B includesa suspension operation device. In a case where the bicycle electriccomponent 16 includes the seatpost, the operation device 14B includes aseatpost operation device. Each actuator includes an electric motor andpreferably further includes a reduction gear that reduces the speed ofrotation of the electric motor.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the drive unit 20 includes a motor 22configured to assist in propulsion of the bicycle. The motor 22 includesan electric motor. The drive unit 20 is provided in a human drivingforce transmission path extending from pedals P to a rear wheel WR or ona front wheel WF to transmit rotation. The drive unit 20 is provided onthe frame F, the rear wheel WR, or the front wheel WF of the bicycle B.In one example, the drive unit 20 is connected to a driving forcetransmission path extending from a crankshaft CA to a front rotary body.In this case, the drive unit 20 can be configured to include a memberforming the driving force transmission path, which extends from thecrankshaft CA to the front rotary body.

In one example, the drive unit 20 includes the second controller 24, thecommunication circuit 32, a first electrical connector 34, a secondelectrical connector 36, a third electrical connector 38, and a seventhelectrical connector 40. It is preferred that the drive unit 20 furtherinclude a second voltage converter 26, a third voltage converter 28, anda fifth voltage converter 30. The drive unit 20 further includes aneighth electrical connector 41.

The second controller 24 and the communication circuit 32 can beconfigured to include separate microcomputers, share a singlemicrocomputer, or each include a plurality of microcomputers. Amicrocomputer includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory thatstores predetermined programs. In any case, the second controller 24 isprovided with at least one processor. The memory is any computer storagedevice or any computer readable medium with the sole exception of atransitory, propagating signal.

The motor 22, the second controller 24, the second voltage converter 26,the third voltage converter 28, the fifth voltage converter 30, and thecommunication circuit 32 are accommodated in a housing 20A of the driveunit 20. The second controller 24, the communication circuit 32, thesecond voltage converter 26, the third voltage converter 28, and thefifth voltage converter 30 are mounted on one or multiple circuitboards. Although FIG. 3 separately shows the second controller 24 andthe communication circuit 32, the second controller 24 can include thecommunication circuit 32. The eighth electrical connector 41 iselectrically connected to ground of a circuit board provided on thedrive unit 20.

The first electrical connector 34, the second electrical connector 36,the third electrical connector 38, the seventh electrical connector 40,and the eighth electrical connector 41 are provided in the housing 20Aso as to be at least partially exposed out of the housing 20A of thedrive unit 20. At least one of the first electrical connector 34, thesecond electrical connector 36, the third electrical connector 38, theseventh electrical connector 40, and the eighth electrical connector 41can be entirely accommodated in the housing 20A of the drive unit 20.The drive unit 20 can be provided with a structure other than the motor22. For example, a reduction gear can be provided on the drive unit 20to reduce the speed of rotation of the motor 22 and output the rotation.The motor 22 is driven by power supplied via a first power supply path80. It is preferred that an input electrical connector of the motor 22be connected to the first electrical connector 34 via an inverter 31.The inverter 31 is controlled by the second controller 24.

It is preferred that the drive unit 20 be further provided with at leastone of a crank rotation sensor 21A, which detects rotation of a crank C(refer to FIG. 1), and a torque sensor 21B, which detects human drivingforce that is input to the bicycle B (refer to FIG. 1). The crankrotation sensor 21A is configured to transmit signals to the secondcontroller 24 in accordance with rotation of the crank C. The torquesensor 21B is configured to transmit signals to the second controller 24in accordance with manual driving force input to the crank C. The crankrotation sensor 21A and the torque sensor 21B are connected to thesecond controller 24 through wired or wireless communication. The crankrotation sensor 21A and the torque sensor 21B can be supplied with powerfrom the second controller 24 or from at least one of the second voltageconverter 26, the fifth voltage converter 30, and the third voltageconverter 28. At least one of the crank rotation sensor 21A and thetorque sensor 21B can be provided separately from the drive unit 20. Thecrank rotation sensor 21A and the torque sensor 21B that are providedseparately from the drive unit 20 can be included in the sensor 14C andthe bicycle components 12.

The drive unit 20 can be configured to omit the second voltage converter26 or the third voltage converter 28. In a case where the second voltageconverter 26 is omitted, the first electrical connector 34 is notelectrically connected to the seventh electrical connector 40. Thesecond controller 24 and the communication circuit 32 are constantlysupplied with power from the battery unit 50 via a second power supplypath 82. In a case where the third voltage converter 28 is omitted, thesecond electrical connector 36 is connected to an inductor 29.

The battery unit 50 includes a battery 52, a first switch 54 and thefirst controller 56. While the battery 52 is illustrated as an exampleof an electrical power source in FIG. 3, the battery unit 50 can beprovided with alternative types of electrical power sources such as acapacitor, a fuel cell, etc. In one example, the battery unit 50includes a first voltage converter 58, a fourth voltage converter 60, acommunication circuit 62, a fourth electrical connector 64, a fifthelectrical connector 66, and a sixth electrical connector 68. Thebattery unit 50 further includes a ninth electrical connector 69. Thefourth electrical connector 64, the fifth electrical connector 66, andthe sixth electrical connector 68 include positive terminals 64A, 66Aand 68A, respectively.

The battery 52, the first switch 54, the first controller 56, the firstvoltage converter 58, the fourth voltage converter 60 and thecommunication circuit 62 are accommodated in a housing 50A of thebattery unit 50. The first switch 54, the first voltage converter 58,the first controller 56, the fourth voltage converter 60, thecommunication circuit 62, a diode 70, and a capacitor 72 are mounted onone or multiple circuit boards. Although FIG. 3 separately shows thefirst controller 56 and the communication circuit 62, the firstcontroller 56 can include the communication circuit 62. The ninthelectrical connector 69 is electrically connected to ground of thecircuit board. The ninth electrical connector 69 includes a groundterminal.

The fourth electrical connector 64, the fifth electrical connector 66,the sixth electrical connector 68, and the ninth electrical connector 69are provided in the housing 50A so as to be at least partially exposedout of the housing 50A of the battery unit 50. At least one of thefourth electrical connector 64, the fifth electrical connector 66, thesixth electrical connector 68 and the ninth electrical connector 69 canbe entirely accommodated in the housing 50A of the battery unit 50. Thebattery 52 includes a plurality of battery cells.

The first controller 56 and the communication circuit 62 can beconfigured to include separate microcomputers, share a singlemicrocomputer, or each include a plurality of microcomputers. Amicrocomputer includes a CPU and a memory that stores predeterminedprograms. In any case, the first controller 56 is provided with at leastone processor. The memory is any computer storage device or any computerreadable medium with the sole exception of a transitory, propagatingsignal.

Each of the drive unit 20 and the battery unit 50 includes at least aportion of the first power supply path 80 and at least a portion of thesecond power supply path 82. In one example, the drive unit 20 and thebattery unit 50 further include at least a portion of a third powersupply path 84 and at least a portion of a communication path 86.

The first power supply path 80 supplies power from the battery unit 50to the drive unit 20. The first power supply path 80 includes the firstelectrical connector 34, the fourth electrical connector 64, and a firstelectrical conductor 80A electrically connecting the first electricalconnector 34 and the fourth electrical connector 64. The fourthelectrical connector 64 is configured to supply power to the bicycledrive unit 20. The first electrical connector 34 is supplied with powerfrom the battery unit 50.

The second power supply path 82 supplies the drive unit 20 with powerfrom the battery unit 50 that is smaller than the power supplied via thefirst power supply path 80. The second power supply path 82 includes thesecond electrical connector 36, the fifth electrical connector 66, and asecond electrical conductor 82A electrically connecting the secondelectrical connector 36 and the fifth electrical connector 66. Thesecond electrical connector 36 is supplied with power from the batteryunit 50. The fifth electrical connector 66 is configured to supply thedrive unit 20 with smaller power than the fourth electrical connector64. The first electrical connector 34 is configured to be supplied withpower from the battery unit 50 that is larger than the power suppliedvia the second electrical connector 36.

The communication path 86 is configured to perform communication betweenthe battery unit 50 and the drive unit 20. The communication path 86includes the third electrical connector 38, the sixth electricalconnector 68, and a fourth electrical conductor 86A electricallyconnecting the third electrical connector 38 and the sixth electricalconnector 68. The communication path 86 carries signals that are outputfrom the communication circuit 62 of the battery unit 50, thecommunication circuit 32 of the drive unit 20, and the bicyclecomponents 12. The third electrical connector 38 is electricallyconnected to the battery unit 50. The third power supply path 84 iselectrically connected to the communication path 86. The communicationpath 86 is configured to be a power supply path that supplies power tothe third power supply path 84. Power line communication is performedthrough the communication path 86.

The drive unit 20 and the battery unit 50 further include at least aportion of a ground path 87. The ground path 87 includes the eighthelectrical connector 41, the ninth electrical connector 69, and a fifthelectrical conductor 87A electrically connecting the eighth electricalconnector 41 and the ninth electrical connector 69.

At least one of the first electrical conductor 80A, the secondelectrical conductor 82A, the fourth electrical conductor 86A, and thefifth electrical conductor 87A can be configured to include an electricplug and an electric cable. The electric plug can include at least oneof a first electric plug connected to the battery unit 50 and a secondelectric plug connected to the drive unit 20. In a case where the firstelectric plugs of the electrical conductors 80A, 82A, 86A and 87A areconnected to the fourth electrical connector 64, the fifth electricalconnector 66, the sixth electrical connector 68, and the ninthelectrical connector 69, it is preferred that one of the first electricplugs be provided with a plurality of terminals separately connected tothe electrical connectors 64, 66, 68 and 69 and that the first electricplug be configured to be attachable to and removable from the batteryunit 50. In a case where the second electric plugs are connected to thefirst electrical connector 34, the second electrical connector 36, thethird electrical connector 38, and the eighth electrical connector 41,it is preferred that one of the second electric plugs be provided with aplurality of terminals separately connected to the electrical connectors34, 36, 38 and 41, and that the second electric plug be configured to beattachable to and removable from the drive unit 20. Four first electricplugs can be provided so as to be separately connected to the electricalconnectors 64, 66, 68 and 69. Alternatively, two or three first electricplugs can be provided so that each first electric plug is provided withone or more terminals separately connected to one or more of theelectrical connectors 64, 66, 68 and 69. Four second electric plugs canbe provided so as to be separately connected to the electricalconnectors 34, 36, 38 and 41. Alternatively, two or three secondelectric plugs can be provided so that each second electric plugincludes one or more terminals separately connected to one or more ofthe electrical connectors 34, 36, 38 and 41.

In a case where the first electrical conductor 80A, the secondelectrical conductor 82A, the fourth electrical conductor 86A and thefifth electrical conductor 87A include an electric cable, it ispreferred that the electric cable be configured by a single electriccable having multiple cores. Additionally, the electric cable of thefirst electrical conductor 80A, the second electrical conductor 82A, thefourth electrical conductor 86A, and the fifth electrical conductor 87Acan be formed by separate cables. Alternatively, any number of aplurality of electric cables of the first electrical conductor 80A, thesecond electrical conductor 82A, the fourth electrical conductor 86A,and the fifth electrical conductor 87A can be configured to be a singleelectric cable having multiple cores.

The first electrical conductor 80A, the second electrical conductor 82A,the fourth electrical conductor 86A, and the fifth electrical conductor87A can include a battery holder holding the battery unit 50. Thebattery holder includes battery electrical connectors separatelyconnected to the electrical connectors 64, 66, 68 and 69. The batteryelectrical connectors are connected to the electrical connectors 34, 36,38 and 41 via the electric cables.

In a case where the electrical conductors 80A, 82A, 86A and 87A areomitted from the paths 80, 82, 84, 86 and 87, the electrical connectors34, 36, 38 and 41 can be configured to be directly connected to theelectrical connectors 64, 66, 68 and 69 corresponding to the electricalconnectors 34, 36, 38 and 41. In a case where the electrical connectors34, 36, 38 and 41 are omitted from the drive unit 20, electric cablescan be directly provided on the drive unit 20. In a case where theelectrical connectors 64, 66, 68 and 69 are omitted from the batteryunit 50, electric cables can be directly provided on the battery unit50.

It is preferred that the first electrical connector 34 and the fourthelectrical connector 64 be shaped so as to be suitable for transmissionof larger power than the second electrical connector 36 and the fifthelectrical connector 66. The battery unit 50 further includes a firstprotection circuit electrically connected to the first power supply path80 and a second protection circuit electrically connected to the secondpower supply path 82. The first protection circuit includes an IC thatmonitors voltage and current supplied to the first power supply path 80.The second protection circuit can include an IC that monitors voltageand current supplied to the second power supply path 82 or can beconfigured only by a logic circuit element. The first protection circuitis configured to prevent overcharging and over-discharging of thebattery 52. Since power supplied to the first power supply path 80 islarger than power supplied to the second power supply path 82, the firstprotection circuit needs to have a higher protection function than thesecond protection circuit. Thus, the first protection circuit consumesmore power than the second protection circuit. In a case where power issupplied to the first power supply path 80, the first protection circuitis operated. In a case where power is not supplied to the first powersupply path 80, the operation of the first protection circuit isstopped. Thus, the power consumption is reduced in a case where power isnot supplied to the first power supply path 80.

The third power supply path 84 supplies the bicycle component 12 withpower that is supplied via the second power supply path 82. The thirdpower supply path 84 includes the seventh electrical connector 40, anelectrical connector 12A of the bicycle component 12, and a thirdelectrical conductor 84A electrically connecting the seventh electricalconnector 40 and the electrical connector 12A. The seventh electricalconnector 40 is electrically connected to the battery unit 50. The thirdpower supply path 84 is electrically connected to the third electricalconnector 38. The third power supply path 84 supplies the bicyclecomponent 12 with power that is supplied via the third electricalconnector 38. The third electrical conductor 84A can be configured toinclude an electric plug and an electric cable. It is preferred that theelectric plug include a terminal connected to the seventh electricalconnector 40 and be configured to be attachable to and removable fromthe battery unit 50. It is preferred that the electric plug furtherinclude a terminal connected to the electrical connector 12A and beconfigured to be attachable to and removable from the bicycle component12. In a further example, in a case where the third electrical conductor84A is omitted, the third electrical connector 38 and the electricalconnector 12A can be configured to be directly connected to each other.In a case where the seventh electrical connector 40 is omitted, theelectric cable can be directly provided on the battery unit 50. In acase where the electrical connector 12A is omitted, the electric cablecan be directly provided on the bicycle component 12.

The electrical configuration of the battery unit 50 will now bedescribed. The first switch 54 is provided between the battery 52 andthe first power supply path 80. The first switch 54 changes theelectrical connection state of the battery 52 and the first power supplypath 80. The first switching portion 54 is provided between the battery52 and the fourth electrical connector 64. The first switching portion54 changes the electrical connection state of the battery 52 and thefourth electrical connector 64. The first switch 54 is configured to beswitched on and off by the first controller 56. The first switch 54 isswitched off to stop the supply of power from the battery 52 tocomponents located at the downstream side of the first switch 54. Thecomponents located at the downstream side of the first switch 54 areeach component of the drive unit 20 including the fourth electricalconnector 64, the first electrical conductor 80A, and the firstelectrical connector 34. In one example, the first switching portion 54includes a field effect transistor (FET).

The first voltage converter 58 is provided between the battery 52 andthe fifth electrical connector 66. The first voltage converter 58converts voltage of the battery 52 and transmits the voltage to thesecond power supply path 82. The first voltage converter 58 convertsvoltage of the battery 52 and transmits the voltage to the fifthelectrical connector 66. The first voltage converter 58 includes, forexample, a linear regulator. The linear regulator includes, for example,a low drop-out (LDO) regulator. The diode 70 is provided between thefirst voltage converter 58 and the fifth electrical connector 66. Theanode of the diode 70 is connected to the first voltage converter 58.The cathode of the diode 70 is connected to the fifth electricalconnector 66.

The fourth voltage converter 60 is provided between the battery 52 andthe sixth electrical connector 68. The fourth voltage converter 60converts voltage of the battery 52 and transmits the voltage to thethird power supply path 84. The fourth voltage converter 60 includes,for example, a linear regulator. The linear regulator includes, forexample, an LDO regulator. The output of the fourth voltage converter 60is provided to the sixth electrical connector 68 via an inductor.

The output of the fourth voltage converter 60 is provided to thecommunication circuit 62. The communication circuit 62 is operated bypower provided from the fourth voltage converter 60. The fourth voltageconverter 60 can be connected to the first controller 56 to provide thefirst controller 56 with power that operates the first controller 56.The communication circuit 62 transmits and receives information throughpower line communication. Information input to the communication circuit62 is transmitted to the first controller 56, which is connected to thecommunication circuit 62. Information output from the first controller56 is transmitted to the sixth electrical connector 68 via thecommunication circuit 62 and then transmitted from the communicationpath 86 via the sixth electrical connector 68. The communication circuit62 is connected to the sixth electrical connector 68 via the capacitor72.

The first controller 56 receives an input signal S via the sixthelectrical connector 68. The input signal S can be related to a signaloutput from the bicycle component 12. The signal output from the bicyclecomponent 12 is related to, for example, at least one of a signal thatis output from the operation device 14B in accordance with an operationinput to the operation device 14B and a signal that is output from thevehicle speed sensor 14D in accordance with a start of the bicycle B fortraveling. The input signal S can be related to a signal output from asensor provided on the drive unit 20. The signal output from a sensorprovided on the drive unit 20 includes at least one of a signal that isoutput from the torque sensor 21B in accordance with application ofhuman driving force to the crank C and a signal that is output from thecrank rotation sensor 21A in accordance with rotation of the crank C.The first controller 56 is configured to perform power linecommunication via the sixth electrical connector 68. The firstcontroller 56 is configured to perform power line communication via thecommunication path 86. The first controller 56 can be configured toperform power line communication via the fifth electrical connector 66and the second power supply path 82. The first controller 56 can furtherinclude a reception portion configured to receive the input signal Sthrough wireless communication. The reception portion can be provided onthe communication circuit 62.

The positive electrode of the battery 52 is connected to the firstswitch 54. The negative electrode of the battery 52 is connected to theninth electrical connector 69.

In a case where the drive unit 20 and the battery unit 50 are connectedby the first power supply path 80 and the second power supply path 82,the bicycle drive system 10 is configured to switch between a firststate and a second state. In the first state, the battery unit 50 stopsthe supply of power to the drive unit 20 via the first power supply path80 and supplies power to the drive unit 20 via the second power supplypath 82. In the second state, the battery unit 50 supplies power to thedrive unit 20 via at least the first power supply path 80.

In the second state, the bicycle drive system 10 can control the bicycleelectric component 16 and perform power line communication via thecommunication path 86 and the third power supply path 84. In the secondstate, the bicycle drive system 10 can detect human driving force withthe torque sensor 21B and also detect rotation of the crank C with thecrank rotation sensor 21A. In the first state, the bicycle drive system10 can control the bicycle electric component 16, perform power linecommunication via the communication path 86 and the third power supplypath 84, drive the motor 22, and perform an operation for switching thecontents on the display 14M of the cycle computer 14A.

The battery unit 50 is switched from the first state to the second statein accordance with the input signal S transmitted from at least one ofthe drive unit 20 and the bicycle component 12, which uses powersupplied via the drive unit 20. The first controller 56 receives theinput signal S from the bicycle component 12 via the third power supplypath 84. The first controller 56 receives the input signals S from thedrive unit 20 and the bicycle component 12 via the communication path86.

The first controller 56 is configured to switch between the first stateand the second state. In the first state, the supply of power to thedrive unit 20 via the fourth electrical connector 64 is stopped, andpower is supplied to the drive unit 20 via the fifth electricalconnector 66. In the second state, power is supplied to the drive unit20 via at least the fourth electrical connector 64. The first controller56 switches from the first state to the second state in accordance withthe input signal S transmitted from at least one of the drive unit 20and the bicycle component 12. The first controller 56 controls theelectrical connection state of the first switch 54 in accordance withthe input signal S.

The electrical configuration of the drive unit 20 will now be described.The second voltage converter 26 is connected to the first electricalconnector 34. The second voltage converter 26 is connected to the firstpower supply path 80 to convert a voltage. The second voltage converter26 converts the voltage of power supplied via the first electricalconnector 34. The output of the second voltage converter 26 is providedto the electrical connector 40 via an inductor. The output of the secondvoltage converter 26 is also provided to the communication circuit 32and to the electrical connector 38 via a capacitor 44. The secondvoltage converter 26 includes, for example, a converter. The converterincludes a step-down DC/DC converter. The capacitor 44 can be omitted.

The third voltage converter 28 is connected to the second electricalconnector 36. The third voltage converter 28 is connected to the secondpower supply path 82 to convert a voltage. The third voltage converter28 converts the voltage of power supplied via the second electricalconnector 36. The output voltage of the third voltage converter 28 issubstantially equal to the output voltage of the second voltageconverter 26. The output of the third voltage converter 28 is providedto the electrical connector 40 via an inductor and also to theelectrical connector 38 via the capacitor 44. The third voltageconverter 28 includes, for example, a linear regulator. The linearregulator includes, for example, an LDO.

The fifth voltage converter 30 includes a linear regulator. The linearregulator includes, for example, an LDO. The fifth voltage converter 30is connected to the second voltage converter 26 and the secondelectrical connector 36 to convert the voltage output from the secondvoltage converter 26 and the voltage input to the second electricalconnector 36 and provide the converted voltages to the communicationcircuit 32. The communication circuit 32 is operated by power suppliedfrom the second voltage converter 26. The second voltage converter 26can be connected to the second controller 24 so that the secondcontroller 24 is supplied with power that operates the second controller24.

The communication circuit 32 communicates with the battery unit 50 viathe third electrical connector 38. The communication circuit 32 isconfigured to perform power line communication via the third electricalconnector 38. The communication circuit 32 is configured to communicatewith the operation device 14B. The communication circuit 32 can beconfigured to perform wireless communication with an external device.The external device can be, for example, a smartphone or a bicyclecomponent 12. A capacitor 42 is provided between the seventh electricalconnector 40 and the third electrical connector 38. The capacitor 44 isprovided between the communication circuit 32 and the third electricalconnector 38.

The second controller 24 is configured to perform power linecommunication with the bicycle component 12. The second controller 24controls the motor 22. The second controller 24 is operable in a thirdstate, in which the motor 22 is drivable, and a fourth state, whichconsumes less power than the third state and does not drive the motor22. The second controller 24 is activated by power supplied from atleast one of the first power supply path 80 and the second power supplypath 82. If the state is changed from where the battery unit 50 and thedrive unit 20 are electrically disconnected to where the battery unit 50and the drive unit 20 are electrically connected, power is supplied fromthe second electrical conductor 82A to activate the second controller 24in the fourth state. In the fourth state, the second controller 24controls the motor 22 in accordance with a signal output from at leastone of the torque sensor 21B, the crank rotation sensor 21A and a speedsensor. The second controller 24 drives and stops the motor 22 bycontrolling the inverter 31.

In a case where the second controller 24 is operated in the fourthstate, if the communication circuit 32 receives the input signal S, thesecond controller 24 switches the operation state from the fourth stateto the third state. In a case where the second controller 24 is operatedin the fourth state, if the communication circuit 32 receives the inputsignal S and is also supplied with power from the first power supplypath 80, the operation state can be switched from the fourth state tothe third state.

In a case where the motor 22 of the drive unit 20 is not driven and alsothe battery unit 50 does not receive the input signal S for apredetermined time in the second state, the battery unit 50 stops thesupply of power to the drive unit 20 via the first power supply path 80.In the case where the motor 22 of the drive unit 20 is not driven andalso the battery unit 50 does not receive the input signal S for thepredetermined time in the second state, the battery unit 50 stops thesupply of power from the fourth electrical connector 64.

In the present embodiment, also in the second state, the battery unit 50supplies power to the drive unit 20 via the second power supply path 82.In the case of switching a power supply path, the supply of power to thesecond controller 24 can be interrupted depending on a switching timing,which results in the need to reactivate the second controller 24. Inthis regard, power is constantly supplied to the drive unit 20 via thesecond power supply path 82 to prevent the second controller 24 frombeing stopped even in the case of switching from the second state to thefirst state.

The battery unit 50 can be configured not to supply power to the bicycledrive unit 20 via the second power supply path 82 in the second state.The battery unit 50 can be configured not to supply power to the bicycledrive unit 20 via the fifth electrical connector 66 in the second state.In this case, for example, a second switch is provided between thebattery 52 and the first voltage converter 58, and the first controller56 controls the supply of power.

The process for switching the bicycle drive system 10 from the firststate to the second state will now be described with reference to FIG.4. The first controller 56 executes the switching process inpredetermined cycles. In a case where the battery 52 starts to supplypower, the first controller 56 is activated and starts the process. Thefirst controller 56 can be configured to start the process in a casewhere the state is changed from where the battery unit 50 and the driveunit 20 are electrically disconnected to where the battery unit 50 andthe drive unit 20 are electrically connected. If power is supplied viathe second power supply path 82, the second controller 24 is activatedin the fourth state, which does not drive the motor 22.

In step S11, the first controller 56 determines whether or not an inputsignal S is received from the drive unit 20 or the bicycle component 12as a result of an operation performed on a bicycle component 12. If thefirst controller 56 determines that the input signal S is received, thefirst controller 56 proceeds to step S12. If the first controller 56does not determine that the input signal S is received, the firstcontroller 56 again executes step S11 after the predetermined cycle.

If the first controller 56 determines in step S11 that the input signalS is received, the first controller 56 determines in step S12 whether ornot the battery unit 50 is in the first state. If the first controller56 determines in step S12 that the battery unit 50 is in the secondstate, the first controller 56 skips step S13 and proceeds to step S14.If the battery unit 50 is in the first state, in step S13, the firstcontroller 56 switches the first switch 54 from the OFF state to the ONstate. This switches the battery unit 50 from the first state to thesecond state. Consequently, power is supplied to the drive unit 20through the first power supply path 80. The power supplied through thefirst power supply path 80 switches the second controller 24 of thedrive unit 20 from the fourth state, which does not drive the motor 22,to the third state, which drives the motor 22.

In step S14, the first controller 56 determines whether the motor 22 ofthe drive unit 20 is not driven and also whether the input signal S isnot received for the predetermined time in the second state. In stepS14, if at least one of the determinations, which are a determinationthat the motor 22 of the drive unit 20 is driven in the second state anda determination that the input signal S is received within thepredetermined time in the second state, is made, the first controller 56again executes step S14 after the predetermined cycle. If the firstcontroller 56 determines in step S14 that the motor 22 of the drive unit20 is not driven and also that the input signal S is not received forthe predetermined time in the second state, the first controller 56proceeds to step S15 and switches the first switch 54 from the ON stateto the OFF state. This switches the battery unit 50 from the secondstate to the first state and stops the supply of power to the drive unit20 from the first power supply path 80. If step S15 is executed in thefirst state, the display 14M of the cycle computer 14A, which is shownin FIG. 2, shows information indicating the first state. One example ofthe information indicating the first state includes letter informationsuch as, for example, “standby mode.” If step S15 is executed, thestoppage of supply of power from the first power supply path 80 causesthe second controller 24 of the drive unit 20 to be switched from thethird state, which drives the motor 22, to the fourth state, which doesnot drive the motor 22. Whether the information indicating the firststate is shown on the display 14M or not in the first state can beconfigured to be selected by the user. The user can use, for example, anoperation switch provided on the cycle computer 14A or an externaldevice to set the contents shown on the display 14M.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the bicycle drive system 110 will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 5. The bicycle drive system 110 of thesecond embodiment is the same as the bicycle drive system 10 of thefirst embodiment except that the bicycle drive system 110 of the secondembodiment includes a second power supply path 88 instead of the secondpower supply path 82 and the communication path 86. The same referencecharacters are given to those components that are the same as thecorresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components willnot be described in detail.

The bicycle drive system 110 includes the first power supply path 80 andthe second power supply path 88. The second power supply path 88 has thesame configuration as the communication path 86 (refer to FIG. 3). Thebicycle drive system 110 is configured to omit the first voltageconverter 58, the diode 70, the fifth electrical connector 66, thesecond power supply path 82, the second electrical connector 36, thethird voltage converter 28, and the inductor 29 from the bicycle drivesystem 10 of the first embodiment and include an inductor 90. Theinductor 90, which is provided between the fifth voltage converter 30and each of the third electrical connector 38 and the seventh electricalconnector 40, is used to supply power to the fifth voltage converter 30.The second power supply path 88 is used to supply power from the batteryunit 50 to the drive unit 20 and also perform power line communicationamong the battery unit 50, the drive unit 20, and the bicycle component12.

In the second state, the battery unit 50 supplies power to the driveunit 20 via the second power supply path 88. In the second state, thebattery unit 50 supplies power to the drive unit 20 via the sixthelectrical connector 68.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of a bicycle power supply system 120 will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The bicycle power supplysystem 120 of the third embodiment is the same as the bicycle drivesystem 10 of the first embodiment except that a battery unit 130 isdirectly connectable to the bicycle component 122 in addition to thedrive unit 20. Thus, the same reference characters are given to thosecomponents of the bicycle power supply system 120 of the thirdembodiment that are the same as the corresponding components of thefirst embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bicycle power supply system 120 includes thebattery unit 130. The battery unit 130 is configured to supply power toa bicycle component 122. The bicycle component 122 includes at least oneof the cycle computer 14A, the operation device 14B, the sensor 14C, thebicycle electric component 16, and the bicycle drive unit 20, which areshown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 7, the battery unit 130 includes the housing 50A, thebattery 52, a first electrical connector 132, a second electricalconnector 134, and the communication circuit 62. The battery unit 130further includes a third electrical connector 136 and a connectionswitch 138. In one example, the battery unit 130 further includes t thefirst controller 56, the first voltage converter 58, the fourth voltageconverter 60, the diode 70 and the capacitor 72.

The first electrical connector 132 is provided in the housing 50A so asto be at least partially exposed to the exterior. The first electricalconnector 132 is configured to be electrically connected to the battery52. The first electrical connector 132 has the same structure as thefourth electrical connector 64 of the first embodiment.

The second electrical connector 134 is provided in the housing 50A so asto be at least partially exposed to the exterior. The second electricalconnector 134 is provided separately from the first electrical connector132. The second electrical connector 134 has the same structure as thesixth electrical connector 68 of the first embodiment. The communicationcircuit 62 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector134 and configured to perform power line communication via the secondelectrical connector 134. Thus, the communication circuit 62 is a powerline communication circuit.

The third electrical connector 136 is provided in the housing 50A so asto be at least partially exposed to the exterior. The third electricalconnector 136 is configured to be electrically connected to the battery52. The third electrical connector 136 is provided separately from thefirst electrical connector 132 and the second electrical connector 134.The third electrical connector 136 has the same structure as the fifthelectrical connector 66 of the first embodiment.

The first electrical connector 132 and the third electrical connector136 are configured to supply power from the battery 52 to the samebicycle component 122. The output voltage of the first electricalconnector 132 from the battery 52 is greater than the output voltage ofthe third electrical connector 136 from the battery 52. The outputvoltage of the first electrical connector 132 is greater than the outputvoltage of the second electrical connector 134. The output voltage ofthe first electrical connector 132 is greater than or equal to 20 V andless than 60 V. The output voltage of the second electrical connector134 is greater than or equal to 1 V and less than 20 V.

The third electrical connector 136 is electrically connected to thebattery 52. In a case where the charge level of the battery 52 isgreater than or equal to a predetermined level, a predetermined firstvoltage is applied to the third electrical connector 136 from thebattery 52. In one example, the first voltage is greater than or equalto 5 V and less than 9 V.

The second electrical connector 134 is electrically connected to thebattery 52. In a case where the charge level of the battery 52 isgreater than or equal to a predetermined level, a predetermined secondvoltage is applied to the second electrical connector 134 from thebattery 52. In one example, the second voltage is greater than or equalto 1 V and less than 20 V.

The first electrical connector 132 includes a first positive terminal132A. The second electrical connector 134 includes a second positiveterminal 134A. The third electrical connector 136 includes a thirdpositive terminal 136A. At least one of the first electrical connector132, the second electrical connector 134, and the third electricalconnector 136 includes a ground terminal. In the battery unit 130 of thepresent embodiment, the first electrical connector 132 includes thefirst positive terminal 132A and a first ground terminal 132B, thesecond electrical connector 134 includes the second positive terminal134A and a second ground terminal 134B, and the third electricalconnector 136 includes the third positive terminal 136A and a thirdground terminal 136B.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bicycle component 122 includes a housing 122A, afourth electrical connector 124A, a fifth electrical connector 124B, anda sixth electrical connector 124C.

The fourth electrical connector 124A is provided in the housing 122A soas to be at least partially exposed to the exterior. The fourthelectrical connector 124A is configured to be electrically connected tothe first electrical connector 132. The fourth electrical connector 124Ais connected to the first electrical connector 132 by a power line 126A.The battery unit 130 and the bicycle component 122 exchange informationwith each other via the fourth electrical connector 124A and the firstelectrical connector 132.

The fifth electrical connector 124B is provided in the housing 122A soas to be at least partially exposed to the exterior. The fifthelectrical connector 124B is configured to be electrically connected tothe second electrical connector 134. The fifth electrical connector 124Bis connected to the second electrical connector 134 by a powercommunication line 126B. The battery unit 130 and the bicycle component122 exchange information with each other via the fifth electricalconnector 124B and the second electrical connector 134. Additionally,the battery unit 130 supplies power to the bicycle component 122 via thefifth electrical connector 124B and the second electrical connector 134.

The sixth electrical connector 124C is provided in the housing 122A soas to be at least partially exposed to the exterior. The sixthelectrical connector 124C is configured to be electrically connected tothe third electrical connector 136. The sixth electrical connector 124Cis connected to the third electrical connector 136 by a power line 126C.The battery unit 130 and the bicycle component 122 exchange informationwith each other via the sixth electrical connector 124C and the thirdelectrical connector 136. Additionally, the battery unit 130 suppliespower to the bicycle component 122 via the sixth electrical connector124C and the third electrical connector 136.

The connection switch 138 has the same structure as the first switch 54of the first embodiment. The connection switch 138 changes theelectrical connection state of the first electrical connector 132 andthe battery 52 in accordance with a communication result of thecommunication circuit 62. For example, in a case where the cyclecomputer 14A (refer to FIG. 2) is operated to input a signal forstopping the operation of the bicycle component 122 to the communicationcircuit 62, the first controller 56 disconnects the first electricalconnector 132 and the battery 52 with the connection switch 138. In astate where the first electrical connector 132 and the battery 52 aredisconnected by the connection switch 138, if a signal for starting tooperate the bicycle component 122 is input to the communication circuit62, the first controller 56 electrically connects the first electricalconnector 132 and the battery 52 with the connection switch 138.

Modifications

The above description illustrates embodiments of a bicycle drive system,a bicycle drive unit, and a bicycle battery unit according to thepresent invention and is not intended to limit modes of the presentinvention. The embodiments of the bicycle drive system, the bicycledrive unit, and the bicycle battery unit of the present invention can bemodified as follows. Further, two or more of the modifications can becombined. In the following modifications, the same reference charactersare given to those components that are the same as the correspondingcomponents of the embodiments. Such components will not be described indetail.

In the first embodiment, the first controller 56, the second controller24, and the bicycle components 12 can perform normal wired communicationinstead of power line communication. In this case, the communicationcircuits 62 and 32 and the communication circuits or devices of thebicycle components 12 are electrically connected by communication linesprovided separately from the power supply wiring.

In the second embodiment, the battery unit 50 can be configured not tosupply power to the drive unit 20 via the second power supply path 82 inthe second state. In this case, in the second state, the battery unit 50does not supply power to the drive unit 20 via the fifth electricalconnector 66. In this case, for example, the first controller 56controls the supply of power using a second switch provided between thebattery 52 and the first voltage converter 58.

The bicycle drive systems 10, 110 can further include a wirelesscommunication device 92, which is shown in FIG. 8. The wirelesscommunication device 92 is configured to perform wireless communicationwith an external device using power supplied via the second power supplypaths 82 and 88. In the same manner as the bicycle component 12, thewireless communication device 92 is connected to the third power supplypath 84 and supplied with power from the third power supply path 84. Inthe first state, if the wireless communication device 92 receives apredetermined signal, the battery unit 50 is switched from the firststate to the second state. The external device includes, for example, asmartphone, a tablet PC, a cycle computer, or a personal computer. In acase where the user inputs an operation for switching the operationstate of the battery unit 50 from the second state to the first state tothe external device, the predetermined signal is input to the wirelesscommunication device 92. The wireless communication device 92 can beprovided integrally with at least one of the bicycle component 12 andthe drive unit 20.

The modification shown in FIG. 8 can be configured to update at leastone of the setting and software of the drive unit 20 based oninformation transmitted from the external device via the wirelesscommunication device 92 in the first state.

In each embodiment, the first controller 56, the second controller 24,and the bicycle components 12 can perform wireless communication insteadof power line communication. In this case, the communication circuits 62and 32 and the communication circuits or devices of the bicyclecomponent 12 are each configured to include a wireless communicationcircuit or device. In the first embodiment, in a case where the firstcontroller 56 and the second controller 24 perform wirelesscommunication with each other, the communication path 86 is omitted ifthe second controller 24 and the communication circuit or device of thebicycle component 12 perform wireless communication with each other.

The second controller 24 can be activated by power supplied from thefirst power supply path 80. In this case, the second controller 24 isactivated by power supplied from the first electrical connector 34.

The battery unit 50 can include a switch that supplies power from thesecond power supply path 82 to the drive unit 20 and stops the supply ofpower.

In the third embodiment, in a case where the charge level of the battery52 is greater than or equal to the predetermined level, if an externalelectrical connector is connected to the third electrical connector 136,the third electrical connector 136 and the battery 52 can beelectrically connected by the first controller 56 so that thepredetermined first voltage is applied to the third electrical connector136. The first controller 56 is configured to detect the charge level ofthe battery 52. The first controller 56 includes at least one of avoltage sensor that detects the voltage of the battery 52, a currentsensor that detects the current output from the battery 52, and acurrent sensor that detects the current input to the battery 52 so thatthe charge level of the battery 52 is detected with the sensor. Thefirst controller 56 is configured to detect at least one of the voltageand current of the third electrical connector 136. The first controller56 includes a sensor that detects at least one of the voltage andcurrent of the third electrical connector 136. The first controller 56determines whether or not the external electrical connector is connectedbased on at least one of the voltage and current of the third electricalconnector 136. The external electrical connector corresponds to thesixth electrical connector 124C of the bicycle component 122. In thismodification, at least one of the third electrical connector 136 and thesixth electrical connector 124C can be configured to be attachable toand removable from the power line 126C.

In the third embodiment, in a case where the charge level of the battery52 is greater than or equal to the predetermined level, if the housing50A is attached to the bicycle B, the third electrical connector 136 andthe battery 52 can be electrically connected by the first controller 56so that the predetermined first voltage is applied to the thirdelectrical connector 136. The first controller 56 is configured todetect the charge level of the battery 52. The first controller 56includes at least one of a voltage sensor that detects the voltage ofthe battery 52, a current sensor that detects the current output fromthe battery 52, and a current sensor that detects the current input tothe battery 52 so that the charge level of the battery 52 is detectedwith the sensor. The housing 50A is provided with a sensor for detectingthat the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B. The sensor fordetecting that the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B includes,for example, an attachment detection switch D-Sw that contacts thebicycle B in a state where the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B.The attachment detection switch D-Sw includes, for example, a tactswitch and is configured to connect the contact points in a case wherethe housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B. The sensor for detectingthat the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B can include, forexample, a sensor, the output of which varies in accordance with thedistance from the bicycle B. In another example, the sensor fordetecting that the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B can includea sensor that changes the output in a case where the housing 50A isattached to the bicycle B from a case where the housing 50A is removedfrom the bicycle B. A switch Sw that is controlled by the firstcontroller 56 is provided in the electrical connection path of the thirdelectrical connector 136 and the battery 52. If the first controller 56determines that the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B based onthe attachment detection switch D-Sw, the first controller 56 controlsthe switch Sw to apply the predetermined first voltage to the thirdelectrical connector 136.

In the third embodiment, in a case where the charge level of the battery52 is greater than or equal to the predetermined level, if an externalelectrical connector is connected to the second electrical connector134, the second electrical connector 134 and the battery 52 can beelectrically connected by the first controller 56 so that thepredetermined second voltage is applied to the second electricalconnector 134. The first controller 56 is configured to detect thecharge level of the battery 52. The first controller 56 includes atleast one of a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the battery52, a current sensor that detects the current output from the battery52, and a current sensor that detects the current input to the battery52 so that the charge level of the battery 52 is detected with thesensor. The first controller 56 is configured to detect at least one ofthe voltage and current of the second electrical connector 134. Thefirst controller 56 includes a sensor that detects at least one of thevoltage and current of the second electrical connector 134. The firstcontroller 56 determines whether or not the external electricalconnector is connected based on at least one of the voltage and currentof the second electrical connector 134. The external electricalconnector corresponds to the fifth electrical connector 124B of thebicycle component 122. In this modification, at least one of the secondelectrical connector 134 and the fifth electrical connector 124B can beconfigured to be attachable to and removable from the powercommunication line 126B.

In the third embodiment, in a case where the charge level of the battery52 is greater than or equal to the predetermined level, if the housing50A is attached to the bicycle B, the second electrical connector 134and the battery 52 can be electrically connected by the first controller56 so that the predetermined second voltage is applied to the secondelectrical connector 134. The first controller 56 is configured todetect the charge level of the battery 52. The first controller 56includes at least one of a voltage sensor that detects the voltage ofthe battery 52, a current sensor that detects the current output fromthe battery 52, and a current sensor that detects the current input tothe battery 52 so that the charge level of the battery 52 is detectedwith the sensor. The housing 50A is provided with a sensor for detectingthat the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B. The sensor fordetecting that the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B includes,for example, the attachment detection switch D-Sw that contacts thebicycle B in a state where the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle B.The sensor for detecting that the housing 50A is attached to the bicycleB can include, for example, a sensor, the output of which varies inaccordance with the distance from the bicycle B. In another example, thesensor for detecting that the housing 50A is attached to the bicycle Bcan include a sensor that changes the output in a case where the housing50A is attached to the bicycle B from a case where the housing 50A isremoved from the bicycle B. A switch Sw that is controlled by the firstcontroller 56 is provided in the electrical connection path of thesecond electrical connector 134 and the battery 52. If the firstcontroller 56 determines that the housing 50A is attached to the bicycleB based on the attachment detection switch D-Sw, the first controller 56controls the switch Sw to apply the predetermined second voltage to thesecond electrical connector 134.

In the first and second embodiments and the modifications of theembodiments, the fourth electrical connector 64 can include the firstpositive terminal 64A and a first ground terminal 64B, which areindicated by double-dashed lines in FIG. 3. In the first embodiment andthe modifications of the first embodiment, the fifth electricalconnector 66 can include the second positive terminal 66A and a secondground terminal 66B, which are indicated by double-dashed lines in FIG.3. Also, in the first and second embodiments and the modifications ofthe embodiments, the sixth electrical connector 68 can include the thirdpositive terminal 68A and a third ground terminal 68B, which areindicated by double-dashed lines in FIG. 3. In the first embodiment andthe modifications of the first embodiment, in a case where the fourthelectrical connector 64, the fifth electrical connector 66, and thesixth electrical connector 68 respectively include the ground terminals64B, 66B and 68B, the ninth electrical connector 69 is omitted. In thesecond embodiment and the modifications of the second embodiment, in acase where the fourth electrical connector 64 and the sixth electricalconnector 68 respectively include the ground terminals 64B, 68B, theninth electrical connector 69 is omitted.

In the third embodiment and the modifications of the third embodiment,one of the first ground terminal 132B and the second ground terminal134B can be omitted. In this case, the first electrical connector 132includes the first positive terminal 132A, the second electricalconnector 134 includes the second positive terminal 134A, and one of thefirst electrical connector 132 and the second electrical connector 134includes the ground terminals 132B and 134B.

In the third embodiment and the modifications of the third embodiment,at least one of the first ground terminal 132B, the second groundterminal 134B, and the third ground terminal 136B can be omitted. Inthis case, the first electrical connector 132 includes the firstpositive terminal 132A, the second electrical connector 134 includes thesecond positive terminal 134A, the third electrical connector 136includes the third positive terminal 136A, and one or two of the firstelectrical connector 132, the second electrical connector 134, and thethird electrical connector 136 include the ground terminals 132B, 134Band 136B.

The third electrical connector 136, the first voltage converter 58, andthe diode 70 can be omitted from the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, a bicycle drive system 140 can include a pluralityof battery units 50 connected to the drive unit 20. The bicycle drivesystem 140 includes the motor 22 (refer to FIG. 2), the plurality ofbattery units 50, and an electronic control unit 142. The bicycle drivesystem 140 further includes a power line 144. The plurality of thebattery units 50 each includes the communication circuit 62 and thefirst controller 56 (refer to FIG. 3). The communication circuit 62corresponds to a first communication circuit or device electricallyconnected to the first controller 56. The first controller 56 controlsthe output of power supplied to the motor 22. The control unit 142includes the communication circuit 32 and the second controller 24. Thecontrol unit 142 includes the motor 22. The communication circuit 32corresponds to a second communication circuit or device configured tocommunicate with the first communication circuit or device 62 via thepower line 144. The control unit 142 is included in the bicycle driveunit 20. The second controller 24 is electrically connected to thecommunication circuit 32 and configured to have the first controller 56output power supplied to the motor 22. In a case where the battery units50 are connected to the drive unit 20, the electrical power supply paths80, 82, 86 and 87 are divided to connect the battery units 50 inparallel. In the case of receiving the input signal S, the battery units50 can each be switched from the second state to the first state.Alternatively, only one of the battery units 50 can be switched from thesecond state to the first state. In the case of switching only one ofthe battery units 50 from the second state to the first state, thesecond controller 24 provides each of the first controllers 56 with adesignation signal that designates one of the battery units 50 inaddition to the input signal S. Each of the first controllers 56determines whether or not to switch from the second state to the firststate based on the designation signal. In a case where the battery units50 are connected to the drive unit 20, even if, for example, the chargelevel of one of the battery units 50 is low and the one of the batteryunits 50 is switched from the first state to the second state andanother one of the battery units 50 is switched from the second state tothe first state, electrical power is constantly supplied to the driveunit 20 via the second power supply path 82. This avoids a situation inwhich the second controller 24 is stopped.

In the modification shown in FIG. 9, the power line 144 can beconfigured to be attachable to and removable from at least one of thebattery units 50 and the control unit 142.

The first controller 56 does not have to switch from the second state tothe first state even in the case where the input signal S is receivedfrom the vehicle speed sensor 14D, the torque sensor 21B, and the crankrotation sensor 21A. Instead, the first controller 56 can be configuredto switch from the second state to the first state in accordance withonly operation of the operation device 14B.

The input voltage of the first electrical connector 34 is set to, forexample 32 to 42 V. The output voltages of the first voltage converter58, the third voltage converter 28, and the fourth voltage converter 60are set to, for example, 8 V. The output voltages of the fourth voltageconverter 60 and the fifth voltage converter 30 are set to, for example,5 V.

The bicycle components 12 do not have to include the vehicle speedsensor 14D, and the drive unit 20 can include the vehicle speed sensor14D. In the case where the drive unit 20 includes the vehicle speedsensor 14D, the vehicle speed sensor 14D is connected to the secondcontroller 24 through wired or wireless communication. In this case, asignal related to the input signal S and output from a sensor providedin the drive unit 20 can include at least one of a signal output fromthe vehicle speed sensor 14D, a signal output from the torque sensor21B, and a signal output from the crank rotation sensor 21A.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle drive system comprising: a motor thatassists in propulsion of a bicycle; a plurality of bicycle batteryunits, each of the bicycle battery units includes a first communicationcircuit and a first electronic controller electrically connected to thefirst communication circuit to control an output of power supplied tothe motor; and an electronic control unit including a secondcommunication circuit configured to communicate with the firstcommunication circuits via a power line and a second electroniccontroller electrically connected to the second communication circuitand configured to have the first electronic controllers output powersupplied to the motor.
 2. The bicycle drive system according to claim 1,further comprising the power line, which is configured to be attachableto and removable from at least one of the bicycle battery units and theelectronic control unit.
 3. The bicycle drive system according to claim1, wherein the second electronic controller is configured to control themotor.
 4. A bicycle drive unit comprising: a motor configured to assistin propulsion of a bicycle; a second electronic controller that controlsthe motor; and a communication circuit configured to communicate with anoperation device that operates a bicycle electric component, the secondelectronic controller being operable in a third state, in which themotor is drivable, and a fourth state, which consumes less power thanthe third state and does not drive the motor, and the second electroniccontroller being configured to switch an operation state from the fourthstate to the third state upon the communication circuit receiving aninput signal while the second electronic controller is operated in thefourth state.
 5. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 4, whereinthe bicycle electric component includes at least one of a shiftingdevice, a suspension and a seatpost.
 6. A bicycle battery unitconfigured to supply power to a bicycle component, the bicycle batteryunit comprising: a housing; a battery accommodated in the housing; afirst electrical connector provided to the housing so as to be at leastpartially exposed out of the housing being electrically connectable withthe battery; a second electrical connector provided to the housing so asto be at least partially exposed out of the housing separate from thefirst electrical connector; and a power line communication circuitelectrically connected to the second electrical connector and configuredto perform power line communication via the second electrical connector.7. The bicycle battery unit according to claim 6, further comprising athird electrical connector provided in the housing so as to be at leastpartially exposed out of the housing and electrically connectable withthe battery, the third electrical connector being separate from thefirst electrical connector and the second electrical connector.
 8. Thebicycle battery unit according to claim 7, wherein the first electricalconnector and the third electrical connector are configured to supplypower of the battery to the same bicycle component.
 9. The bicyclebattery unit according to claim 7, wherein the first electricalconnector has an output voltage from the battery that is greater than anoutput voltage of the third electrical connector from the battery. 10.The bicycle battery unit according to claim 7, wherein the thirdelectrical connector is electrically connected to the battery so that apredetermined first voltage is applied to the third electrical connectorupon a charge level of the battery being greater than or equal to apredetermined level.
 11. The bicycle battery unit according to claim 7,wherein the third electrical connector and the battery are electricallyconnected so that a predetermined first voltage is applied to the thirdelectrical connector from the battery in a case where a charge level ofthe battery is greater than or equal to a predetermined level upondetermining an external electrical connector is electrically connectedto the third electrical connector.
 12. The bicycle battery unitaccording to claim 7, wherein the third electrical connector and thebattery are electrically connected so that a predetermined first voltageis applied to the third electrical connector in a case where a chargelevel of the battery is greater than or equal to a predetermined levelupon determining the housing is attached to a bicycle.
 13. The bicyclebattery unit according to claim 7, wherein the first electricalconnector includes a first positive terminal, the second electricalconnector includes a second positive terminal, the third electricalconnector includes a third positive terminal, and at least one of thefirst, second, and third electrical connectors includes a groundterminal.
 14. The bicycle battery unit according to claim 6, wherein thefirst electrical connector includes a first positive terminal, thesecond electrical connector includes a second positive terminal, and atleast one of the first and second electrical connectors includes aground terminal.
 15. The bicycle battery unit according to claim 6,wherein the second electrical connector is electrically connected to thebattery so that a predetermined second voltage is applied to the secondelectrical connector from the battery upon a charge level of the batterybeing greater than or equal to a predetermined level.
 16. The bicyclebattery unit according to claim 6, wherein the second electricalconnector and the battery are electrically connected so that apredetermined second voltage is applied to the second electricalconnector in a case where a charge level of the battery is greater thanor equal to a predetermined level upon determining an externalelectrical connector being connected to the second electrical connector.17. The bicycle battery unit according to claim 6, wherein the secondelectrical connector and the battery are electrically connected so thata predetermined second voltage is applied to the second electricalconnector in a case where a charge level of the battery is greater thanor equal to a predetermined level upon determining the housing isattached to a bicycle.
 18. The bicycle battery unit according toaccording to claim 6, wherein the first electrical connector has anoutput voltage that is greater than an output voltage of the secondelectrical connector.
 19. The bicycle battery unit according to claim18, wherein the output voltage of the first electrical connector isgreater than or equal to 20 V and less than 60 V, and the output voltageof the second electrical connector is greater than or equal to 1 V andless than 20 V.
 20. The bicycle battery unit according to claim 6,further comprising a connection switch that changes an electricalconnection state of the first electrical connector and the battery inaccordance with a communication result of the power line communicationcircuit.